Page 10 of Red King
“Tell me more about Cathy Summers,” I ask. “Her role might just make or break the whole pilot.”
“Agreed, Sire,” Thorn says. “The role of Communications Liaison Officer is a pivotal one. Her references state that she is a people person with excellent organizational and communication skills. I feel that she will do well in her role. We have other candidates lined up should she fall short in any way. That goes for all the employees working on this project. However, in most cases, it would be a one-month waiting period before they could start.”
“Have they been briefed yet?” I ask. “I’m assuming not since we agreed that would happen in the orientation.”
“That is correct, Sire. They will be briefed before take-off tomorrow. Any staff not willing to come to our island will be replaced within twenty-four hours. As you know, there’s normally a twenty-five percent attrition rate.” He shrugs. “The chances of having to replace at least one person is high. In which case, the staff will only arrive the day after tomorrow.”
“As long as we have everyone up and running by the time the Tributes get here.”
“Absolutely, hence getting them on board now.”
“Good.” I nod once. “Keep me posted if there are any developments or concerns.”
Thorn nods. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“There is something else I wanted to discuss before moving on to the rest of the items on the agenda.”
The three males look at me with expectation. Steel narrows his eyes, and Frost leans forward in his seat.
“We’re all ears,” Frost says, folding his arms across his chest.
“It’s something Smoke mentioned, and he might have a point.” I sound hesitant, but the more I think about our conversation, the better I feel about what I am about to say.
Thorn narrows his eyes, his full focus on me.
“It might be a good idea if the Tributes didn’t know I was the king.”
Steel frowns. “That will be tough to keep from them, considering how you have an entourage of people surrounding you wherever you go. Oh, and the bowing, the use of ‘Your Majesty,’ etcetera, would be a dead giveaway. Not to mention all the ass-licking, Sire. They’d know you were someone important within no time.”
I choke out a laugh. Frost smiles, too.
Steel smirks.Asshole!
“I understand that it wouldn’t be possible to hide the fact long-term, but perhaps we can manage it for the first few sessions. I want to get to know the females on an even playing field.”
“You want a genuine attraction.” Thorn gets this hazy look in his eyes. “A real connection and you feel like you can only really achieve it if—”
“I couldn’t care less about those aspects. No.” I shake my head. “I’m looking for a queen. Someone with certain qualities. Having a female pick me just because I am king and she wants a title, riches, and to live in a castle is not the type of female I’m looking for. Perhaps if I have the opportunity to meet with the women once or twice without airs and graces, I can pick out one or two who fit my needs.” I look at Thorn. “No, not those kinds of needs.”
“I get it, Sire.” He holds up his hands in defeat.
“I don’t know how it could work. Someone will slip up.” Steel looks like he’s thinking about it. “It’s worth a try, though. I think you’re onto something.” He nods a few times. “It would be nice to pick someone and have them choose you back for the right reasons. And there should be an attraction, Sire. Love might be asking too much, but—”
“I need a pleasant person who will be a good mother to my children and a good queen to our people.” I shrug. “That’s all.”
“If you say so, my Lord,” Steel smirks. I think of throwing a comment back at him, but I don’t.
“Idosay so,” I settle on. “Now…moving on,” I growl. “What’s next on the agenda?”
I note that all three males are smiling like they know something I don’t. I ignore them, trying to concentrate on what Thorn is saying.
4
Paisley
I read the email again as soon as I have collected my luggage at the conveyor belt.
I’m meeting someone called Marcel Baker at the statue of a marble angel just outside the airport. I’m going to an orientation session, and then I’m boarding another flight that will take us to the island. Apparently, there are a couple of us meeting here. I’m not sure why we have to do the orientation before arriving on the island. It seems a bit backward, but whatever makes them happy.
